VENICE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL vs GARDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
VENICE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL has a higher overall rating of 9.4/10 compared to 7.8/10. In math proficiency, VENICE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL leads at 83.0%.
VENICE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Venice, FL
631 students
GARDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Venice, FL
509 students
Ratings Comparison
| Metric | VENICE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | GARDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.4 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
| Academic Score | 9.7 | 8.8 |
| Growth Score | 9.1 | 6.3 |
| Diversity Index | — | — |
| Free/Reduced Lunch | 40.4% | 54.6% |
| Environment Score | 9.9 | 9.9 |
| State Rank | #72 of 3,778 | #867 of 3,778 |
| State Percentile | 98th | 77th |
Test Scores
| Subject | VENICE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | GARDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|
| Math Proficiency | 83.0% | 80.0% |
| Math (State Avg) | — | — |
| ELA Proficiency | 86.0% | 81.0% |
| ELA (State Avg) | — | — |
School Details
Neighborhood
| Metric | Venice (34285) | Venice (34285) |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $67,712 | $67,712 |
| Median Home Value | $295,400 | $295,400 |
| Median Rent | $1,485 | $1,485 |
| College Educated (Bachelor's+) | 39.7% | 39.7% |
| Poverty Rate | 7.2% | 7.2% |
| Avg Commute | 22 min | 22 min |
The data story: VENICE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL vs GARDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Garden Elementary School ranks #14 of 3,777 Florida elementary schools, placing it in the top 0.4% statewide. Venice Elementary School, rated 8.8 out of 10, earns a solid #170 in Florida — top 5% statewide — but Garden Elementary School's 9.5 out of 10 represents a 0.7-point advantage that reflects a meaningful performance gap between two schools just 2.9 miles apart in Venice, Florida.
The academic and growth numbers tell different stories depending on what a family prioritizes. Venice Elementary School edges Garden Elementary School on raw academic proficiency, scoring 9.7 versus 9.3 out of 10 — a 0.4-point advantage suggesting slightly higher current achievement levels. Garden Elementary School, however, pulls decisively ahead on growth, posting a 9.4 versus Venice Elementary School's 7.9 — a 1.5-point gap indicating that students at Garden are gaining ground faster relative to their starting points, regardless of where they begin.
Garden Elementary School serves 509 students compared to Venice Elementary School's 631, and the student-teacher ratios are nearly identical — 13.8:1 at Garden versus 14.0:1 at Venice — so class size is not a differentiating factor. The more meaningful demographic difference is free and reduced lunch eligibility: 55% of Garden Elementary School students qualify, compared to 40% at Venice Elementary School. That 15-point gap signals Garden serves a higher proportion of economically disadvantaged families, making its #14 statewide rank and 9.4 growth score particularly impressive given the added challenge.
Both schools cover the same grade span — prekindergarten through fifth grade — so neither offers a structural advantage in terms of years served. The distinction comes down to trajectory: Venice Elementary School leads on absolute academic scores while Garden Elementary School leads on growth, overall rating, and state rank.
Editorial summary generated May 2026 · sonnet
Who each school fits
VENICE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Venice Elementary School suits families whose children are already performing at or above grade level and who want a high-proficiency academic environment. With a 9.7 academic score and a top-5% state rank, it's the right fit for parents who prioritize demonstrated, consistent achievement outcomes over growth trajectory.
GARDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Garden Elementary School is the stronger choice for families who want a school where students make exceptional year-over-year gains — its 9.4 growth score and #14 state rank signal an environment that accelerates progress. It also fits families seeking a diverse economic mix, with 55% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.